Matthias Jaissle called on his Al Ahli Saudi FC squad to build belief from their dominant 5-0 success over Al Shortta on Monday as they continue their AFC Champions League Elite™ campaign and pursue silverware at home.
Matthias Jaissle called on his Al Ahli Saudi FC squad to build belief from their dominant 5-0 success over Al Shortta on Monday as they continue their AFC Champions League Elite™ campaign and pursue silverware at home.
The comprehensive outcome secured progression to the Round of 16, yet celebrations were short-lived with a demanding domestic schedule awaiting the Jeddah side, including three league fixtures across nine days.
One of those upcoming tests will be against Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr Club, a challenge Jaissle believes his players must face with confidence and collective strength.
The German coach praised the togetherness displayed by his team, highlighting the overall level shown across the pitch and describing the result as an ideal platform ahead of a congested run of matches.
Jaissle noted that while his side created openings before the interval, they struggled to fully exploit them as Al Shortta posed problems during the early exchanges.
He added that improvements after the break proved decisive, with sharper execution and control allowing Al Ahli to pull away and earn a victory he felt was fully merited.
Ivan Toney delivered a standout display, setting up Roger Ibanez for the opening goal before finding the net himself shortly after the restart.
The England forward later turned provider once more, supplying Saleh Alshamat as Al Ahli climbed to 13 points in the standings.
For Al Shorta, the heavy loss left only a faint mathematical hope of advancement, with head coach Moamen Soliman conceding that the second half belonged entirely to the Saudi side.
Soliman explained that despite a solid tactical plan and periods of control before the break, his players suffered a physical and mental drop after conceding again, allowing Al Ahli’s experienced individuals to capitalise efficiently.
Al Shortta remain on one point and will complete their league stage against PFC Nasaf of Uzbekistan and Qatar’s Al Duhail SC in February, while Al Ahli are set to close out their campaign with fixtures versus UAE representatives Al Wahda FC and Shabab Al Ahli.
